The rift between Indian pacer Mohammed Shami and chief selector Ajit Agarkar has intensified ahead of the much-anticipated India-Australia 2025 series. The veteran speedster responded sharply to Agarkar’s recent insinuations about his fitness, fuelling a controversy that has now overshadowed India’s preparations for the tour.
Mohammed Shami dismisses Agarkar’s fitness claims ahead of IND vs AUS 2025 showdown
Shami, who is currently playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 opener at Eden Gardens, made headlines once again after a fiery statement post day’s play in Kolkata. Having picked up 3 wickets for 37 runs in the first innings against Uttarakhand, Shami looked in solid rhythm. In the second innings, he bowled 15 overs without success but displayed his typical intensity and accuracy. His performances have come under intense scrutiny after being left out of the national squad for the upcoming Australia tour. The pacer claimed that the decision lacked proper communication, arguing that his fitness and performance levels were misinterpreted.
“You’ve seen how I bowled. It’s all there in front of your eyes,” Shami told Hindustan Times after the day’s play, indirectly countering Agarkar’s remarks that his fitness was a concern. His sharp tone and confidence hinted at clear disappointment over the selection process, raising questions about the handling of senior players by the selection committee.
Agarkar, in a recent media interaction with NDTV, stated that Shami’s fitness issues were the main reason behind his omission. He acknowledged the bowler’s value but insisted that selection hinged on medical clearance and overall workload management.
“If he was fit, he would have been part of the squad. There have been discussions over months, and I am always available for the players,” Agarkar explained. His statement aimed to defuse the rising speculation yet seemed to trigger a stronger reaction from Shami, who believes his match readiness has been misjudged.
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Selection rift deepens ahead of India’s crucial tour
India-Australia clash is one of the marquee series on the international calendar, making Shami’s exclusion a significant talking point. The experienced pacer last represented India during the 2025 Champions Trophy, where he served as the lead seamer. However, inconsistent outings in the competition and a disappointing Indian Premier League 2025 campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad dented his case. In the IPL, Shami featured in nine matches, claiming just six wickets at an economy rate exceeding 11 runs per over. Critics argued that the lack of rhythm and high economy rate had undermined his claim for national recall.
Following his post-World Cup surgery in early 2024, Shami had gradually built workload through domestic and zonal cricket. His recent participation in the Duleep Trophy for East Zone, where he registered figures of 1-100 and 0-36, showed signs of comeback but failed to convince selectors. Experts believe the prolonged absence at the international level, coupled with concerns around match fitness, led Agarkar and the panel to adopt a cautious approach ahead of the high-intensity tour.
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